What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a medication used to prevent HIV infection. (HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS when left untreated). People who do not have HIV can take this medication to increase the chances that they will not get it.
According to the CDC, PrEP is proven to be 99% effective at preventing HIV infection during sex when used as prescribed. It is also proven to be at least 74% effective at preventing HIV infection among people who inject drugs.
PrEP is prescribed to prevent HIV. It is not prescribed to treat HIV for those who already have the virus.
What medications are used for PrEP?
There are currently a few different FDA-approved medications used for PrEP:
- Truvada – a once-a-day pill
- Currently available for prescription through Teladoc Health Primary Care
- Descovy – a once-a-day pill
- Currently available for prescription through Teladoc Health Primary Care
- Apretude – an injection given once every 2 months or less
- Not currently available for prescription through Teladoc Health
How long has PrEP been around?
The FDA first approved Truvada as a medication in 2004. And in 2012, the FDA approved it specifically for HIV prevention as PrEP.
Descovy was first FDA-approved in 2016. Then it was approved as PrEP medication in 2019.
Is it safe?
Yes, PrEP is generally a safe medication. PrEP has undergone many tests to make sure it works well in the human body. But it is still required that people who take PrEP get lab tests every 3 months. These tests are to make sure the patient’s kidneys are working properly and to make sure the patient is still HIV-negative.
What are the most common side effects?
Not everyone gets side effects from PrEP medication. For patients who do, those side effects are usually mild and go away with time. These can include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
Tell your care provider right away if you experience any severe side effects, or if side effects don’t go away over time.
Is PrEP right for me?
The choice is yours! You and your care provider can discuss if PrEP is right for you. PrEP is generally recommended for anyone who has:
- More than one sex partner
- A sex partner who has HIV
- Recently had sex without a condom
- Shared injection equipment (like diabetes lancets) or uses injection drugs
To be prescribed PrEP, a patient must:
- Be HIV-negative (and continue testing HIV-negative up to and while using PrEP)
- Be able to take the medication as directed
PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV infection when used as directed. But it is not approved to treat HIV. If someone with HIV uses PrEP, the virus may become resistant to the drug. That’s why it is so important to prevent HIV infection by using the medication exactly as it’s prescribed. And it is just as important to get tested every 3 months while using PrEP to make sure you are still HIV-negative.
Depending on your situation, your care provider may refer you for an additional consult with a specialist.
PrEP is for adults of all ages, races, genders and sexes assigned at birth.
How much does PrEP cost?
PrEP can be very expensive out-of-pocket. Without financial programs or insurance, it can cost up to $21,000 USD per year.
However, most insurance companies will pay the full cost of PrEP for their members. If you have another form of insurance, you may have to pay a copay for your healthcare visits or lab tests. Check with your insurance company for more information about coverage for PrEP.
Even if you have no insurance, you might still be eligible for help with the cost. Gilead offers a voucher program to cover the cost of PrEP medication. You would still need to pay for your healthcare visits and lab tests, but the meds would be fully covered. Check here for more info about that program.
How do I get my medication?
We’re happy to help you with this! You can get your PrEP medication from your regular pharmacy. You will need a prescription from a care provider to get it.
If you're a Teladoc Health member with access to Primary Care, you can talk with your primary care provider about getting a PrEP prescription.
How often would I need to schedule healthcare provider visits while taking PrEP?
It is recommended that you meet with your care provider—and get lab tests—every 3 months while taking PrEP. This is to make sure that you are still HIV-negative, that you’re able to take the medication as directed, and that your body and the meds are working well together. You and your care provider can decide how often your appointments should be.
How do I get my medical labs done once I start taking PrEP?
You can get your labs done by scheduling an appointment with a local lab testing clinic. Teladoc Health members can choose either LabCorp or Quest to have their tests done.
Patients in certain areas may also be eligible to provide their lab samples from home. A trained phlebotomist would help collect those samples. Check with Teladoc Health Member Support to see if this is an option for you.
Is PrEP really worth it?
Yes, PrEP is encouraged for people who are eligible for it. It has been tested, is safe for most patients and is effective at preventing HIV.
PrEP does not prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections. Patients are encouraged to use another form of birth control and to still use a condom while taking PrEP to protect themselves against infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HPV.
Where can I learn more about PrEP?
Check out the info sources for this article:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- National Institutes of Health
- Planned Parenthood
If you're eligible for Teladoc Health Primary Care and you're ready to talk to your care provider about PrEP, you can schedule a visit.